|
| My husband and I recently moved to Myrtle Beach. We have about 18 large loblolly pines the back garden of our new house. I don't think they were planted intentionally. Either they were left alone when the sub-division was developed or previous owners just let them grow willy-nilly.
The one tree that isn't a pine appears to also be self sown. I think it's a liquid amber. But that's not the issue. In fact, there isn't really an issue. Just a "what was nature thinking"? Apparently the liquid amber is doing just fine, even with its roots in a circle. Close-up of sweet gum "hugging" a loblolly pine.
From a bit further away.
|
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| Looks as if the pine is in for a fight for its life. |
|
- Posted by wisconsitom 4/5 WI (My Page) on Sun, Aug 26, 12 at 22:34
| Friends for life! Are there any observable problems developing with the pine? It seems that some trees can have roots girdling their stems without any problem occurring. +oM |
|
- Posted by widdringtonia 8a (My Page) on Mon, Aug 27, 12 at 8:05
| The pine seems fine too. No obvious signs of problems. The intertwined trees aren't a danger to anything. We have three other pines that are insanely close to the house that we need to remove (which breaks my heart because they're providing the most amazing shade) but these two are far away from landing on anything of value. I just thought I'd share a curiosity with you guys. :) |
|
- Posted by ken_adrian z5 (My Page) on Mon, Aug 27, 12 at 10:41
| IMHO.. a curiosity .. enjoy watching such you are correct.. there is nothing to worry about.. if they threaten nothing ... thx for sharing ken |
|
| ...well, unless the OP wants to keep the pine for a much longer time period. There's nothing wrong with wanting to let nature take it's course (assuming the falling pine wouldn't do damage to something of value), but it is good to be aware of the issue (which the OP may be, but we don't know with the info given). Such girdling roots very frequently result in eventual failure of the tree being girdled. |
|
| That's a war going on. Red/sugar maples here tend to try to "strangle" close trees like that -- wrapping a big surface root around the other's root-collar. Could chop out the Sweetgum's strangling root if so inclined. |
|
| Visual tension produced is reason enough to take out the sweetgum, apart from the fact that it is going to start conflicting with the base of the pine - and is an unusually short-lived tree, with pointy fruits that are a source of annoyance for many. Around here sweetgums from more southerly origins retain leaves into winter, break up when substantial snowfalls come early. |
|
- Posted by widdringtonia 8a (My Page) on Thu, Aug 30, 12 at 20:55
| If we took out one, we'd take out the other. The litter of pine cones from the loblollies beats out anything the sweet gum could produce. The pine cones have sharp little thorns that fall off and make walking in the grass with barefeet impossible. And it's not as though there's a shortage. If it was a more valuable tree, like an oak or a bald cypress, I'd be a lot quicker in getting rid of the sweet gum. These two will just stay there for the moment. Locked in mortal arborial combat. Now I just need to wait for the leaves to fall off the two poor crape myrtles out in the front to share the desecration that was inflicted on them. |
|
- Posted by wisconsitom 4/5 WI (My Page) on Thu, Aug 30, 12 at 21:46
| That loblolly is a good looker, IMO. Can't beat conifers with reddish trunks. +oM |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Trees Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.